If you’re questioning whether your Kutztown and Breinigsville residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we advise talking with a specialist like Moyer Total Indoor Comfort about which options are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by common household products.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these vapors accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help odors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to provide strong filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which solution is ideal for your residence.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a severe health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy concentrations.

We advise yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating smoothly. This job allows our specialists to find problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor by bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Moyer Total Indoor Comfort Professionals

Aware that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 484-646-3363 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your needs and budget.